Willis Otieno questions State House funding as schools await capitation
By Sharon Atieno, June 16, 2026Willis Otieno has raised concerns over what he termed misplaced government priorities after revealing that State House has already received nearly 90 per cent of its allocated funding within the first two months of the new financial year, even as public schools continue facing delays in capitation disbursement.
Speaking through his X account on Wednesday, June 16, 2026, Otieno criticised what he described as a pattern where political leaders prioritise the machinery of power while critical sectors affecting ordinary citizens continue struggling for resources.
“Legacy politicians have repeatedly demonstrated that the welfare of ordinary citizens is not their foremost priority,” Otieno said.
He questioned why State House could receive almost its full allocation early enough while schools across the country continue grappling with delayed capitation funds necessary for daily learning operations.
Schools continue waiting for crucial funds
Otieno said the delays continue affecting essential learning activities, including access to teaching materials and smooth management of public schools.
“How else can one explain a system where, within the first two months of the financial year, State House receives close to 90 per cent of its allocated funding, while school capitation funds essential for learning, teaching materials, and the smooth operation of public schools, continue to face delays?” he posed.
The remarks come at a time when concerns continue mounting over delayed disbursement of funds to learning institutions, with schools repeatedly raising alarm over operational challenges.
Kenya risks undermining its future
The lawyer warned that continuously prioritising political institutions over investment in education could have long-term consequences for the country’s future development.
“A nation that consistently prioritizes the machinery of power over the development of its human capital risks undermining its own future,” Otieno stated.
Debate on budget priorities intensifies
His remarks now add to growing public debate over government spending priorities, as pressure mounts on policymakers to ensure critical sectors such as education receive timely financial support necessary for service delivery.